What are the best NFL Survivor Pool picks for Week 1? Making the right NFL Survivor Pool picks is crucial and we’ll help you with top plays, contrarian picks and teams to avoid.
The Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills are the biggest favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook in Week 1, but are they also the best picks for your Survivor Pool? Which team should you avoid this week? We analyze the best Survivor Pool strategy for the first week of NFL play.
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NFL Survivor Picks for Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are the biggest favorite in Week 1 and the safest bet if you want to beat Cincinnati early. The Patriots are in a complete rebuild and enter the 2024 season with the lowest projected win percentage of 4.5.
There is some concern that Ja’Marr Chase may not play, as he had to sit out most of training camp due to a contract dispute. While I expect Chase to play in Week 1, it probably doesn’t matter. The Patriots will struggle to score points, and the Bengals should win comfortably at home.
The Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are actually my favorite for week one. I think Seattle will win outright and erase the six-point lead. While I think rookie Bo Nix will struggle against Mike Macdonald’s aggressive defense, that’s not all. The Broncos have one of the worst rosters in the NFL and I think they’re in for a long season.
On the other hand, I’m really rooting for the Seahawks this year. I’m betting Seattle will make the NFC playoffs and I’m going to see them start the season with a convincing home win. If you want to save Cincinnati, the Seahawks are my first choice.
Contrary selection
The Cleveland Browns
It’s always difficult to find an unexpected pick in Week 1, and this year it’s even harder with only three games having a spread of six points or more. If you want to zig while everyone else zigs, you’ll want to watch the Browns at home.
I’m a Cowboys fan and I think Dallas is in a world of trouble this week. Forget all the obvious things like the Cowboys lacking a running back or Jerry Jones getting rid of his two best players this offseason. My biggest concern is the offensive line, where Dallas is expected to use two rookies to counter Myles Garrett and co.
The Browns’ defensive line is a force to be reckoned with and I expect this unit to dominate the game. If you prefer to live on the edge early in the Survivor pools, Cleveland is my pick.
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Teams to avoid
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are my top team to avoid in Week 1. I wouldn’t be surprised if Buffalo has another good season, although I’d like to wait and see given all the uncertainty surrounding this team.
I also expect Arizona to improve significantly this season. Head coach Jonathan Gannon took over a bad situation, but he has put the Cardinals on the right path. I think this game could be closer than the 6-point lead suggests. My recommendation is to wait for the Bills and play them later in the year.
